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Panama’s Cultural Treasures

Explore Panama's traditional cultures in the Ella Drua Embera community, in the San Blas Archipelago, and the beautiful mountain town of El Valle de Anton, also known for its premiere bird-watching locales. Enjoy the outdoors - swim, snorkel, hike, bike, horseback riding anda jungle canopy tour.

Panama

Sustainable Travel

7 Days

Tour Highlights

Explore and interact with Panama’s traditional community of Ella Drua Embera to learn about their lives and customs

Take in Playon Chico in the San Blas Archipelago, home to Kuna culture

Visit the beautiful mountain town of El Valle de Anton, home to another group with origins in the Kuna culture

Go bird watching in one of the premiere bird-watching locales in Panama, with some 339 species so far identified

Enjoy opportunities to swim, snorkel, hike, bike and go horseback riding as well as a jungle canopy tour

Day 1: Panama CityWelcome to Panama City, situated at the junction of continents and oceans. Our representative greets you and escorts you to your city hotel in the lovely Casco Viejo area. American Trade Boutique Hotel – Deluxe Room

Day 2: Panama City / Ella Drua Emberá Community
Early this morning, set out for the long-established Ella Drua Embera community near the Soberania National Park. Ella Drua is an Emberá village of about 80 residents tucked away in the hills and in the jungle on the Gatun Lake. They welcome you to their community and share with you their traditions and culture. The Emberá women traditionally wear brightly colored wrap skirts, called parumas, while the men wear traditional cloths and beaded jewelry. They are master artisans in Panama, known for their woven baskets and masks as well as the quality wood carvings of cocobolo and intricate tagua carvings. After a traditional lunch, enjoy a demonstration of indigenous music and dances. Later this afternoon, you return to Panama City. You can opt for a short hike on a botanical trail nearby. American Trade Boutique Hotel – Deluxe Room(B,L)

Day 3: Panama City / San Blas Archipelago – Kuna Kingdom
Your early morning flight take you to Playon Chico. Upon arrival, you are met by your local host, who transfers you to your island lodge. You will have the opportunity to engage with the Kuna culture, who are famous for their bright molas, a colorful textile art form made using the techniques of appliqué and reverse appliqué. Mola panels are used to make the blouses of the Kuna women's national dress, which is worn daily by many Kuna women. You can swim and snorkel in the clear waters, go on forest and mangrove walks, explore the Diiwarak River by boat. Or simply relax on the white, sandy beaches. Yandup Lodge – Rustic Cabin (B)

Day 4: San Blas Archipelago / Panama City / El Valle de Anton
Depart early this morning on short flight to Panama City, where you set out on a two-hour drive along the famed Pan-American Highway to the beautiful mountain town of El Valle de Anton in the Coclé Province. El Valle occupies the crater of a dormant volcano, once the largest in Central America. It is said to be the largest inhabited volcano crater in the world. This picturesque valley rises some 600 meters/1968 feet above sea level. It has several features worth exploring such as ancient Indian petroglyphs ("La Piedra Pintada"), natural hot springs and waterfalls, and for those more active, rock climbing and hikes. Discover the town market, where locally made handicrafts are on sale. Then set out on one of the hiking trails into the hills around the valley: “La India Dormida,” “Cariguana,” or the easier walk, “Pastoreo.” Visit El Macho Waterfall, an ecological reserve, and hike its interpretative trail. Return to Panama City in the late afternoon. Canopy Lodge – Standard Room (B)

Days 5/6: El Valle de AntonYou are at leisure to pursue your own interests. The area is one of the best bird-watching sites in Panama, with some 339 species identified. The artisan market has ceramics, bateas (wooden trays), woven baskets, hats, carved and painted totumas (cups made from squash), and some Kuna Indians offer their hand-crafted items such as their well-known, colorful molas as well as jewelry. A variety of hiking, biking and horseback riding activities are available as well as a jungle canopy tour. Visit the village museum to see exhibits of pre-Columbian and religious art, handcrafts and more. Canopy Lodge – Standard Room (B)

Day 7: El Valle de Anton / Panama City / Depart
You are transferred by road to Tocumen International Airport outside Panama City for your outbound flight. (B)

Land price, per person, double occupancy: From US$500 per person per day

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